Aloysius Francis Naples Jr.

Al was born on August 29, 1926 in Staten Island, NY to Aloysius F., Sr and Mae Naples. He was the oldest of three brothers. Al was the beloved husband of the recently deceased Rose (Penny) Naples. They had recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. He was the devoted father to seven children: Alyce, Virginia, Aloysius (Deceased), Adrienne, Thomas, Kevin, and William. He was the loving grandfather to 14 grandchildren and great grandfather to 5 great grandchildren. In addition, he leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Al was a World War ll Veteran, serving our country in the Navy as a Signalman on the USS Charles R Ware. Upon discharge, from the Navy, he received the Victory Medal, The American Theater Medal and the European Theater Medal.

Al was a gifted athlete. While in High School at St Peters Boys H.S. his baseball and basketball teams won the NYC High School Championships. He continued with his love of sports into College at Georgetown University where he played on the Baseball and Basketball teams. Al was inducted into the Hall of Fame at St Peters Boys High School and Georgetown University. Al also played professional baseball for the St Louis Browns as shortstop. His first hit in the majors was a double to right at Fenway Park against Mel Parnell and the Red Sox. He injured his hand in his second game. After recuperating and playing farm league decided to pursue a different career.

While a student at Georgetown, Al pursued Mathematics and English Degrees. He accepted a Math teaching position at his high school Alma Mater and became a lifelong educator. He completed his education at Fordham University and went on to N.Y.U. to receive his master’s in Education.

Al and Rose moved to NJ and he began teaching and coaching at Dwight Morrow High School, Englewood and eventually changing to River Dell High School, Oradell, NJ. Over his nearly 30 year tenure there he was the Mathematics Department Chairman, Coach of Chess, Baseball and Basketball Teams. His quick wit, sense of humor and love of pranks kept his colleagues and students amused. He also provided play by play commentary at River Dell home football games. Al was an innovator as well as educator and in 1960 Watson Labs awarded Al a grant to introduce computers in the classroom. Al retired in 1987 due to Hairy Cell Leukemia. His battle with this disease lasted until 1992 when the experimental drugs that were administered finally put the Leukemia into remission. He stayed in touch with many of his colleagues from River Dell H.S. well into his 90”s.

Al and Rose retired to Orleans, Cape Cod, where they had spent many happy summer vacations with their family of seven. They loved bringing the grandchildren down to Skaket Beach where they would float in the channel on incoming and outgoing tides. In addition Skaket Beach was their favorite spot to watch sunsets. During his retirement Al was always busy, either creating his driftwood art, volunteering at Cape Cod Hospital or staying in touch with his many friends and colleagues. He loved music and played his trumpet well into his nineties. Family and friends were treated to his rendition of Happy Birthday, on the trumpet, on their special day. Al and Rose watched many of Cape Cod Baseball League games at Eldridge Park in the right field amphitheater of the stadium.

Al will be missed by many as he touched so many lives in his life's journey.

A celebration of his life will be planned for later in the year.

Donations in Al’s name can be made to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans or to Hairy Cell Leukemia Foundation

...live Jesus in our hearts forever.